QA Manager - Laboratories

About Us

At Onterris, we build careers grounded in purpose, responsibility and real-world impact. “For Planet and Progress” is our north star that guides everything we do. We believe environmental responsibility and human progress are interconnected, interwoven and international. Our scientists, engineers, field teams, consultants and professionals collaborate across disciplines and geographies, guiding industries and governments, ensuring that communities and environments thrive. When you join us, you’re not just forging a career, you’re joining a movement. A movement for better thinking, smarter solutions and lasting impact. Together, we will advance our way of life and protect the integrity of our environment every step of the way.

Responsibilities

• Establish and uphold quality standards while fostering a culture of continuous improvement as the focal point for all quality initiatives.
• Lead the quality assurance team, equipping them to perform effectively and aligned with organizational goals.
• Mentor and guide staff to enhance performance and support their professional growth.
• Partner with the Laboratory Director and Operations Managers to identify inefficiencies and implement solutions.
• Lead cross-functional change initiatives to optimize processes.
• Uphold the highest standards of ethics, integrity, and professionalism, ensuring confidentiality and discretion when handling sensitive company, personnel, and client information.
• Strategically manage laboratory accreditations, monitor regulatory updates, and maintain relationships with accrediting bodies while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards (e.g., TNI).
• Administer the proficiency testing program, evaluate results, and collaborate with operations to develop corrective actions for any failures identified.
• Oversee the laboratory’s QA/QC and data integrity improvement activities.
• Ensure standard operating procedures are accurate, well-organized, technically sound, aligned with operational goals, and compliant with applicable standards.
• Oversee personnel training records (e.g., demonstration of capability), ensuring completion, documentation, and evaluation for conformance to applicable requirements.
• Plan, conduct, and document internal audits and data assessments.
• Schedule and host external audits by third-party assessors, clients, and accrediting body representatives.
• Address nonconformances and deficiencies, providing actionable insights to laboratory leadership while planning, implementing, and addressing corrective actions.
• Manage corrective and preventative actions by utilizing root cause analysis tools to document, resolve, and monitor outcomes effectively to prevent reoccurrence.
• Collaborate with the operations team to evaluate and implement efficiency, accuracy, and safety improvements.
• Lead the development and execution of operational goals, efficiency plans, and enhance the QA program and the QA Manual by integrating best practices such as statistical control and risk-based approaches.
• Develop and deliver QA/QC training to engage staff and promote compliance with ethical standards.
• Document validations of new test and measurement services.
• Develop and monitor QA performance indicators, report findings to management, and identify areas for improvement.
• Complete standard reporting requirements and ensure compliance with health and safety plans to promote and maintain a secure working environment.

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership skills focused on developing and empowering team members to take ownership of their roles and drive meaningful change.
• Ability to foster collaborative relationships with operational leaders, promoting open communication and cooperation.
• Proactive problem-solving abilities to identify operational inefficiencies and bottlenecks, propose and implement solutions, take decisive actions to drive continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication skills, capable of presenting complex information clearly and facilitating productive discussions.
• Expertise in root cause analysis and corrective action planning.
• Professional mindset emphasizing collaboration, integrity, and safety.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in chemistry, biology, environmental science, or related field.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant QA/QC experience in an accredited environmental laboratory, with a minimum of two (2) years in a leadership role such as Group Leader, Project Manager, or comparable experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job.
• Technical expertise in environmental testing methods, including method validation and data interpretation.
• Proficient in root cause analysis, statistical tools, and Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Extensive working knowledge of industry regulations including USEPA, TNI 2016 Standard, 40CFR, and other regulated environments (e.g., DoD/DOE).
• Proven leadership skills with experience mentoring staff, developing high performers, and driving quality initiatives.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with ability to liaise effectively with regulators, clients, and internal stakeholders.

Skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (i.e., Excel, PowerPoint, Word, SharePoint, Teams).
• Experience with LIMS; experience with quality management software is a plus.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

The physical and environmental requirements below reflect what’s typically needed to perform the essential functions of this role safely and effectively. We may provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities, consistent with applicable law, to support performance of the essential functions.

• May require working weekends, holidays, and after-hours based on operational demands or team scheduling.
• Ability to lift 20-30 pounds using company-provided equipment, as necessary.
• Ability to remain stationary for approximately 70% of the workday.
• Frequent use of computers and other office productivity equipment is required.

Pay

The compensation range for this role is $75,000.00 to $105,000.00, commensurate with experience, skills, and geographic location.

Schedule

Monday - Friday